Heart Health News

Flip-Flops May Put You on Path to Foot Trouble

FRIDAY, May 31 (HealthDay News) -- From poolside to an evening
out on the town, for many people, flip-flops have become a summer
staple. This popular style of footwear, however, may not be the
best choice for every situation, an expert warns.

"While flip-flops are perfectly fine -- and far better than going barefoot -- in a number of settings, they do have some drawbacks," said Dr. Christina Sigur, a podiatrist and instructor in orthopedics at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

"They really don't offer too much support or protection. Wearing them too often or for certain intensive activities can lead to a variety of foot problems," she explained in a Wake Forest news release.

The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these
flip-flop safety tips:

Look for leather.Flip-flops made of high-quality leather are
less likely to cause blisters and other types of irritation.

Sturdy is better.Avoid flimsy flip-flops that you can bend
in half. Instead, opt for a pair that bends at the ball of the
foot. This is particularly important when you are at the beach, in
hotel rooms or locker room areas and walking around a public
pool.

Consider fit.Your foot should not hang off the edge of the
flip-flop.

Watch for signs of wear.It's not a good idea to wear the
same pair of flip-flops year after year. Once they show significant
signs of wear, it's time to get a new pair.

Pay attention to your feet.Do not ignore irritation between
toes, which can lead to blisters and possible infections.

The American Podiatric Medical Association noted that flip-flops
are not appropriate footwear for all situations. The group advised
that people not wear flip-flops when walking long distances, doing
yard work or playing sports because these shoes do not offer much
shock absorption or arch support, and they do not fully protect the
feet.

"I specialize in foot and ankle medicine and surgery, and prevention is a big part of my practice," Sigur noted. "When it comes to flip-flops, all it really takes is a little common sense to avoid injuries."

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.